2023_05_03 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Deuteronomy 5-6, Galatians 5
In Deuteronomy chapters 5 and 6, there is a word that is used 13 times, which makes many people bristle. It’s not an uncommon word; we hear it a lot, but the context is what makes us cringe. We like it used when we are the recipient but not when it is calling us to action. The word is “obey.” Webster’s Dictionary defines obey as “following commands and guidance” – in this case, God’s. There is an old hymn that says, “trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” This solidly squares with the teaching of the Bible, but we still don’t like it. We want to be free to do what we want, when we want, and as often as we want. We feel as though we should be able to make our own call on what is right or wrong for us and not have it imposed by anyone else – even God. A perfect example of this is the original community that received the instructions in Deuteronomy. They voiced agreement but soon detoured to do exactly what they saw fit even though it directly disobeyed God’s clear instructions.
Here is the problem: we think we know better than God. In our stubbornness, we resist the call to “obey” Him because we think His commands are either too restrictive, outdated, overkill, or simply don’t fit our desire of the moment. What we need to remember is that God dearly loves us and wants the absolute best for us. Anything He says comes from this love. Anything He asks us to do or not do, is all for the benefit of us and others.
“Obey” is a 4-letter word, but so is “love”. We should always keep these together when it comes to following our Heavenly Father. “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” Deuteronomy 5:10 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor